James 1:19-21

II. WITHIN THE CHRISTIAN SYNAGOGUE: THE PROPER TEMPER, BEHAVIOUR, AND FAITH THERE, James 1:19 to James 3:18.

1. No loquacity nor irritation, but candid hearing, James 1:19-21.

To understand the emphasis laid by St. James in the rest of this chapter on moderation of language and candid listening, we must conceive something of a picture of discussions in the Synagogues, (see note on James 2:2,) in which replies of cavillers could interrupt the Christian preacher, 1 Corinthians 14:27-33. The epistle, in its address, comprehends not only Christian Jews, but all Jews inclined to read and listen, and hence the importance of impressing the whole with the necessity of decency, candour, and readiness in a spirit of meekness to receive the word of the gospel. Inquirers must calmly listen, they must learn in order to practice; but especially must they bridle the tongue, or else the pretences and attempts at religion are futile.